This picture was stitched by Anne Eliza Close Benson (b. 1845) as a diversion or for home decoration. With its stylized potted flowers, rustic cottage, and hearts, Mrs. Benson's embroidery is characteristic of the Arts and Crafts style that flourished in America between 1900 and 1915 and emphasized unornamented design and the value of handwork. The archaic term "phillis" in the pastoral verse refers to a table maid or waitress.

Credit Line:

Gift of Hevlyn Dirck Benson

Provenance:

Anne Eliza Close Benson (b. 1845); to her son Hevlyn Dirck Benson, the donor.

Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.